Any thoughts/ideas for cheapish £5k daily runaround Alfa GT 3.2 V6 vs rivals???

CatmanV2

CatmanV2

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zagatoes30 said:
I'm always predictable but at least I don't sit on the fence :)
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I also had one. Totally agree on the practicality, particularly with the fold down rear seats. Personally while it was quick and interesting, I found it nose heavy. You could scrub the tyres too easily and it tended to not fare that well on some of the roads we have in Essex.

All that aside, I'd have another one quick enough :)

C
 
zagatoes30

zagatoes30

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Most Alfas with the V6 up front feel nose heavy but IMO the GT is better than most, the Brera is the worst by far. You have to be firm with the GT nose, give it clear precise instructions and it will turn in nicely. You need to wait for the nose to bite before you unleash the power otherwise the front will slide in understeer. Once use to how it behaves I find it really nice and surprisingly quick across country.

The standard GT suspension can be a bit strange it's neither hard or soft but in most cases it works well, however if you find a small sharp pot hole in can jar the front alarmingly. Paul at AforALfa in Aylesbury has a setup that he believes cures this problem and mine will probably be over there later in the year to have it fitted.
 
rockits

rockits

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Yup, that red Sportwagen looks a little unloved to me as well. Or at least not well loved.

The handling & slight nose heavy is fine for me. I have the 4200 & it is a general daily floating motor so a decent all rounder is ideal.

Andy, were you looking at a diff upgrade as well as suspension setup changes?

I saw a lovely dark blue GT V6 that was still advertised but sold. Wasn't sure about the grey leather though. Saw a 147 GTA a while back with a nice black/tan leather combo that looked really nice.

I think I'd be looking at a dark/mid grey or dark or bright nice blue for me. Although red seems popular it is not my ideal colour. A bit too shouty for me. Nice but doesn't suit my understated but able character
 
zagatoes30

zagatoes30

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The 3.2 needs a decent diff, with the torque and power they have an LSD is essential if you don't want to have the front tyres lighting up every time you press the throttle. Most go down the Q2 route which is a good balance. Mine had a Quaiffe fitted by the previous owner which is less subtle but when asked to work really hard does a better job than the Q2, both are good just different and I wouldn't worry which went in but one of them must.
 
rockits

rockits

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Andyk said:
As said does look unloved but must say this would be my choice ...They look so bloody good ... especially in red.
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I agree it looks good but too many examples of lack of care in the photos for me. I would rather pay a smidge more and get a better example I think.
 
Andyk

Andyk

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Plus it's a catD ..... Just read again...It was a CatD but was removed from the register.
 
rockits

rockits

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Just had a chat with my brother in law and we have come up with a radical garage/fleet plan. I ditch the work XJ and the wife's Freelander 2 for:
Volvo XC90 4.4 V8
VW Golf GTi 5 Door Mk5 DSG
Alfa Spider 3.2 JTS V6 24v Q4

Kind of covers all bases then. Always wanted an Alfa and a 3.2 V6 Busso at that. The Spider is not a Busso is it?
 
zagatoes30

zagatoes30

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The JTS Spider have the same engine as the Brera which is a GM sourced unit, not a patch on the Busso I'm afraid. They drive very similar to the Brera and not only feel heavy at the front they feel lardy all round due to the extra weight of the 4WD system.
 
rockits

rockits

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I thought that was the case. Maybe an Alfa GT instead of the Alfa Spider then. The SLK350 is a very tempting package though! Nothing falls into place easy does it ;)
 
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